PhD Student Project ARREST

About your role

The PhD project focuses on improving and validating ex-vivo normothermic liver perfusion models, a technique in which donor livers are kept functioning outside the body.

The focus is on combining these perfusion systems with advanced analytical technologies. This creates a research environment in which the kinetics, efficacy, and potential toxicity of therapeutic interventions can be studied in detail and under physiologically active conditions.

Your main responsibilities are:

• Performing and improving ex-vivo liver perfusion experiments using normothermic machine perfusion setups at LUMC and/or TNO
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting metabolic, biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological data from perfused livers following therapeutic treatment
• Developing workflows for testing therapies in ex vivo perfusion settings and contributing to scientific publications and reports
• Collaborating with experts within the ARREST consortium and actively participating in joint meetings and cross-institutional training activities

About your workplace

LUMC is an academic hospital where patient care, research, and education are closely integrated. Within this environment, the research is part of the Department of Surgery, where innovative applications in transplantation medicine are developed.

Within the ARREST consortium, collaboration takes place with experts in fields such as organoid biology, regenerative medicine, imaging, and biochemistry. This collaboration focuses on improving the understanding of liver injury, repair, and regeneration, as well as optimizing the use of donor livers.

Working in this setting means operating at the interface of clinical and applied research. The position is primarily based at LUMC, with an additional appointment at TNO, Department of Biomedical Research. Here, collaboration takes place with researchers focused on applied biomedical and preclinical research.

The work environment is characterized by collaboration and scientific depth. There is close interaction with researchers from various disciplines. Knowledge is shared, and efforts are jointly directed toward translating research into practice. The combination of LUMC and TNO creates an environment where innovation and application come together.

About you

A strong interest in organ perfusion, organ physiology, regenerative medicine, or translational liver research forms the foundation. Analytical thinking comes naturally, and a clear overview is maintained during hands-on experimental work. Working within a large multidisciplinary consortium and navigating between an academic and applied research environment comes easily. Strong communication skills and an affinity for interdisciplinary collaboration support this.

In addition, you have:

• A master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Technical Medicine, (Bio)Engineering, Physiology, or a related field
• Interest in (ex vivo) organ perfusion or related technologies
• Knowledge of pharmacokinetics, analytical techniques, or computational modeling

Our offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical center, LUMC strives to have a workforce that is a good reflection of society. We are committed to the highest quality in health care, education and (international) research, in which diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority for us: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people, but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to be a creative and inspiring place to work, where everyone feels at home, safe and valued. It's all about who you are and what you bring to contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work toward a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.

More information

• As a PhD student, your salary will be between € 3,108, and € 3,939, gross per month (scale PRO, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.
• The procedure involves an in-person interview with the principal investigators from LUMC and TNO with a possible follow-up and will ideally be completed by July 1^st, 2026.. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow soon.
• A motivation letter describing your interest in liver perfusion and regenerative medicine
• Please include the contact details of one to two references
• Applications can be submitted to LUMC, with placement at TNO integrated into the appointment
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.